The majority of Iowans who have received the COVID-19 vaccine are women, according to data from the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Why it matters: Overlooking any group or segment of our community in vaccine distribution could exacerbate death rates among those groups and thwart pandemic recovery for all of us.

By the numbers: Men make up just under half of our state’s population and account for 52% of Iowa's COVID-19 deaths.

• But they account for just 31% of vaccinations in both the state and Polk County.

The disparities don't end there.

• Hispanic or Latino people are 6% of our population and 3% of deaths in Iowa but account for around 2% of vaccinations, per state data.
• Black people make up about 4% of the state’s population and just under 2.5% of deaths but account for just over 1% of those vaccinated.
• Asian people make up about 2.5% of our population, about 1.2% of deaths, and about 1% of those vaccinated.

Driving the news: Health care workers and long-term care facility residents were the target of the first rounds of the COVID-19 vaccinations, both groups that are predominately women and white, notes The 19th.

• Manufacturing, factory and construction employees — who aren't part of Iowa's first vaccine wave — are predominantly male and have higher percentages of minorities as compared to the health care profession, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What they're saying: “We cannot blame these workers," said Joe Henry, a Des Moines resident and policy director for the League of United Latin American Citizens of Iowa.

• "We cannot say it's due to their machismo. That’s bullsh*t. When you do not educate people, inform them and/or require them to take this as a requirement for employment, you are allowing them to die.”

Of note: Communities of color are more skeptical of the vaccines, which creates challenges even as they become more widely distributed, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

• Iowa currently ranks among the worst states in vaccine distribution and the percentage of our population vaccinated. Gov. Kim Reynolds is spitting fire about it.

⏰ Linh spent a week setting her alarm for 11:55 pm to wake up every night, furiously refreshing Hy-Vee's immunization page to land a vaccination appointment for her parents.

• They got in through Polk County Health Department and got their first doses Feb. 1!

💡 Her sleep-deprived tips:

Polk County Health Department: Have your name, DOB, address and health insurance information ready to go. And turn on your browser's autofill to save time.

• Spots are opening at noon this Friday. (Refresh this page around that time and be prepared to move fast.)

Hy-Vee: Search through each store on the site regularly and at different times of the day. (Don't bother filling in your personal info until you see a spot.)

• When Linh called around, pharmacists were mixed regarding what time to check online. Some suggested 9-10am or even midnight.
• Appointments are scheduled seven days out.

Medicap Pharmacy is currently focusing on second doses for health care workers, said John Forbes, Medicap Urbandale owner.

• He suggests seniors come into the pharmacy and fill out paperwork so they can be called when vaccines are available. Sometimes there are extra doses at the end of the day that must be used before they expire.

Walgreens and CVS have limited appointments for Iowans 65+, though they also require tedious frequent webpage refreshing.

Your doctor: Some primary care facilities, like UnityPoint Health and Broadlawns Medical Center, are giving vaccines to their patients. Call and ask them specifics about their plans and when they're expecting supply.

• Frigid temperatures caused roads to refreeze Monday morning, contributing to accidents on the interstate. The message: Slow down. (Clive Police)
• DMPD is launching an investigation after a man's body was found in a porta-potty outside the Forest Avenue Library Monday morning.
• Proposals involving huge soccer and ice hockey projects won approval by the Des Moines City Council yesterday for preapplication to a state incentive program.
• Iowa’s road repair budget — paid largely with gasoline taxes — wasn’t hurt as badly as initially feared following early pandemic shutdowns due to an increase in truck traffic. (Radio Iowa)
• Wells Fargo in West Des Moines will this year become the site of one of Iowa’s largest solar projects. It'll generate an estimated 12% of the electricity needed for the company’s six-building campus. (Des Moines Register)

A new lighting system for the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge will better illuminate the area under the arch and allow for color-changing capabilities, per changes City Council approved yesterday.

Details: Due to repeated breaks, the original glass walkway panels that allowed people to look down into the water were replaced with metal last year.

• The repairs changed the look and color scheme of the eight-year-old bridge, which is one of the key reasons for the new lighting system.

What's next: The City is taking bids now.

• The new system is expected to be in place by early fall.
• Estimated cost: $165,000, per Council communication.

Last month, Linh devoured this potato pizza from Franka Pizzeria.

• 🍕 The former site of St. Kilda Surf & Turf is now an upscale pizza joint.
• 💸 This $17 pizza excels when it comes to balance. The leek garnish adds a sprightly green pop on top of the slightly tangy taleggio cheese.
• Plus: It's a textural delight. The subtle bite of the potatoes meshed well with the creamy white sauce and chewy crust.
• 🕑 Open 10am to 10pm, every day, 111 E. Grand Ave Suite 101, Des Moines, 515-288-1086.